webcam query

I would appreciate anhy sugegstions or advice on this (and ignore my typing errors as I am in a bit of a rush).

I am looking to getting a webcam of good quality for my Ubuntu desktop and can see a fair number of models out there. However; I have some thoughts:

1. Most of these cameras appear to be USB2 at most. To utilise USB3 would I expect the webcam to work 'out-of-the-box' or should i be looking for a camera specifically tailored to use USB3?

2. Do you know of any ubuntu friendly webcams which use connections other than USB such as firewire? what is your opinion on taking this path?

3. I have an old Hi-8 video camera. If i was to get a video capture card would connecting the video cam work as a webcam or would I need additional software?

Many thanks for your advice.

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Re: webcam query

Re: webcam query

Look for cameras that have UVC in their spec - that is supported out of the box under Linux (also Mac and Windows without additional drivers).

In Ubuntu it works with the expected programs such as Skype plus other free stuff from the repository such as Cheese (Webcam Booth), guvcview, and VLC Media Player - it will be recognised as a Video for Linux 2 device (v4l2).

Most of the current Logitech cameras are UVC though my older Quickcam Fusion apparently has a hardware bug causing clicks in the audio but the video works at all the camera's supported resolutions.

I think a firewire camera would be recognised as a capture device; certainly worth trying any DV camera with firewire.